Rice Street Beach

Rice Street Beach. . , The first ever swimming hole in the city of Anoka was known as Rice Street Beach. The beach was located at the west end of Rice Street and Levee Street on the Mississippi River. The beach first opened in 1931. The beach offered a recreational area for local children to come and spend their summer days. Swimming lessons were also provided at the beach., The beach and swimming lessons were originally sponsored by the American Red Cross with assistance of the Community Playshop. The Community Playshop was directed by Mrs. Alfred Mortenson and Mrs. Fritz Peterson. The Community Playshop was a group that put on plays and theatre for the community., The first swimming instructor was Les Mason. Mr. Mason was a well respected athlete and coach in the community. Swimming classes were offered at a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level. Junior and Senior life saving classes were also offered. Swim classes typically began at the end of June and lasted five weeks. Swimming classes were later sponsored by the Anoka Park Board and American Legion and Auxiliary., Rice Street Beach was closed for swimming lessons in 1958 with the opening of the Charles L. Horn swimming pool located on 7th Avenue., Red Cross water safety instructors at Rice Street Beach. The two men on the left are Walter Bower representing the American Red Cross, and Les Mason, first swim instructor. Photo taken circa 1935. Photo courtesy of the Anoka County Historical Society., Children swimming in the Mississippi River at the Rice Street Beach. Les Mason, pictured on the right, was the first instructor. Classes were sponsored by the American Red Cross. Picture taken circa 1931. Photo courtesy of the Anoka County Historical Society., Children swimming at Rice Street Beach. Photo taken circa 1939. Photo courtesy of Anoka County Historical Society., Children taking swimming lessons at Rice Street Beach. Photo taken circa 1938. Photo courtesy of Anoka County Historical Society.